Feeling the exercise motivation creep in....now what?

xintothevoidxz
xintothevoidxz Posts: 95
in Fitness and Exercise
I'm a beginner when it comes to exercise so the only exercise I've been doing for the past 2-3 weeks is walking, using my Gazelle, and in the Spring/Summer months some bike riding.

I have 30-40 lbs (165 to 130s) to lose and don't want to be "skinny fat" when I reach my goal.

I've been really tempted to buy one of the exercise programs that I've seen many people on here have great results with, but I'm afraid if I get something too intense I might give up because I just can't do it considering how out of shape I am.

I also don't know if I should start with cardio until I get closer to my goal weight and then add in the toning.

I've tried 30 Day Shred and it got really boring fast and I was thinking Zumba, TurboFire, Instanity, or P90X, but I guess I just don't know enough about them.

Anyone have testimonials for other programs?

What would you recommend for someone who is just starting out?

Thanks for taking the time to read my ramblings and for your help! :blushing:

Replies

  • casy84
    casy84 Posts: 290 Member
    I started with 15mins on my elliptical, that's how out of shape I was. Day by day I got better and now I can go 1h without stopping. I also bought new roller blades and I'll try to join a yogilates class soon(I would rather go strength training, but the doctor told my bf to do pilates, so I'll tag along). After 3 weeks of this my knees still hurt and also my back, but it's getting better.
  • srrose15
    srrose15 Posts: 104 Member
    I am sending you a messsage :)
  • mdorsett221
    mdorsett221 Posts: 29 Member
    I'm not sure which program would be best, but I would definitely start strength training now. It will help you burn fat faster than just cardio. I take boot camp classes where we do a lot of body weight exercises. I think Insanity is similar maybe? I have P90X and I found it too hard at the beginning and very time consuming. I can do it now, but I like the classes better. I am one of those people who gets bored easily, so working out with a group and a leader that changes things up all the time has kept me interested and on track.
  • mdorsett221
    mdorsett221 Posts: 29 Member
    Here is an excellent article to read if you have time. It's long, but very informative.

    http://www.outsideonline.com/fitness/Your-Fat-Has-a-Brain.html
  • shar140
    shar140 Posts: 1,158 Member
    I'm not sure which program would be best, but I would definitely start strength training now.

    This.

    I don't know which program would be best FOR YOU, but since you're a gamer, look up nerdfitness.com. ;)
  • LindsayLL30
    LindsayLL30 Posts: 154 Member
    I am in the same position.... I walk on the treadmill, would like to lift weights...but we dont have a gym or access to a personal trainer, so I am worried I may do more harm than good if I am doing it wrong.

    I have gotten a few work out DVDs at walmart they are about 7-10$ each, and will soon be getting Body Revolution...like you I am VERY scared that it may be to much for me...and I wont be able to handle it!

    Have you tried taking your walking to running by doing the C25K? I have heard really good things about that program!
  • shar140
    shar140 Posts: 1,158 Member
    I am in the same position.... I walk on the treadmill, would like to lift weights...but we dont have a gym or access to a personal trainer, so I am worried I may do more harm than good if I am doing it wrong.

    You don't need weights (or machines), you body is one! Pushups, handstand pushups, pullups, inverted rows, squats, lunges, planks, variations on them all. :)
    http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/workouts/
    I have gotten a few work out DVDs at walmart they are about 7-10$ each, and will soon be getting Body Revolution...like you I am VERY scared that it may be to much for me...and I wont be able to handle it!

    Just do what you can, and modify until you can do the more advanced exercises - like pushups against and wall or from your knees, until you can do standard ones. Something is always better than nothing - you can do it! :)

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